Device lost — software wallet 2014

Blocked

Case description

A Bitcoin miner who had accumulated coins since 2011 stored their wallet file on an external hard drive that was damaged in a fire at their workplace in March 2014. No off-site backup existed. A data recovery lab determined the drive platters were warped beyond recovery.

Custody context

Stress condition	Device loss
Custody system	Mobile or software wallet
Outcome	Blocked
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2014
Country	Unknown

Structural dependencies observed

Hardware device required

What this illustrates

The wallet existed only on that device. When the device became inaccessible, there was no other way back in. Access was not recoverable.

Outcome interpretation

Access was not possible under the reported conditions.

Source

Publicly Reported

Evidence type

Forum post

Evidence link

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=22697.0

Related cases involving device loss

188 cases involve device loss 572 cases involve mobile or software wallet View archive statistics →

This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents. Submit a case

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Framework references

Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority

Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.

Professional Scope Boundary Matrix

What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.

The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody

How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.